Porcelain is resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures, but it can be chipped, scratched, or cracked by heavy objects. Cost - In general, porcelain kitchen sinks cost between $90 and $1,500 to purchase and install. Porcelain sinks are very heavy, and this makes installation more challenging.
All materials have their downsides, and porcelain is no different. Here are the cons of porcelain: Chipping — As it is a very hard, dense material, porcelain can chip, especially if heavy items are dropped on it. That said, you can always get your sink refinished to repair such damage.
Porcelain sinks are not one of the easiest sink materials to maintain, making regular cleaning essential. When stains are left to sit, problems arise as the porous material holds onto marks. Luckily, there are some ways to refresh your sink if this is the case.
Porcelain sinks are both beautiful and easy to clean. On the down side, it's a brittle material and easily cracked. One drop of a heavy object can leave you staring at a major chip in your porcelain.
Porcelain sinks remain popular for kitchens due to their durability, non-porous surface, design versatility, easy-to-clean nature, and heat and cold resistance.
The biggest difference between the two materials is their level of heat-resistance. Porcelain withstands heat well and is unaffected by direct sunlight, while quartz surfaces can warp or become discolored over time.
Stainless steel is easily workable and has a long service life that will retain its clean finish look, with little to no maintenance costs. Additionally, due to the special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades, it can resist scaling and retain strength at extreme temperatures better than porcelain.
Thermal Stress
Considering porcelain is usually layered on metal (which conducts heat), the sink loses heat rapidly and can become very cold—even when the room isn't cold. Therefore, hot water getting into contact with cold porcelain creates temperature stress that can cause cracks on the sink's surface.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Porcelain must be sealed for the same reasons you seal shower glass doors. Our sealants are also effective on baked enamel bath fixtures.
If concerned about putting any kind of bleach on an antique porcelain sink, use white vinegar instead. Add undiluted white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the sink, then use a non-abrasive sponge and circular motions to clean the porcelain.
Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile. The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic tiles and porcelain, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way.
A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. What's more, they are also some of the most versatile sinks coming in a variety of styles and sizes meaning they fit in most kitchens easily no matter the size or style.
Cons to consider:
Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.
Durability - It's nearly impossible to scratch or chip fireclay, and they're much less likely to crack or scratch compared to cast iron. Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time.
Drastic temperature shifts
Like a lot of household objects or fittings, drastic temperature changes cause damage to bathroom sinks. Repeated temperature shock can lead to swelling and cracking of your porcelain and enamel.
Affordability & Durability Of Porcelain
It's recommended that people use silicone pads or a stainless steel rack to help protect it. Letting acidic substances sit and allowing foods to cake can stain the material, so ensure you give it a rinse after each use.
First, put the piece on a flat surface, such as a tabletop. Then give it a little tap. “If it rings it's probably fine,” Lackey says. “If it's a dull sound, it means you'll want to look a lot closer.” That dull sound usually — although not always — will indicate a crack or defect.
Uneven drying of the piece causes cracking, which means that certain portions of the pottery shrink more than others. The key to avoiding these hazards is to dry the item in a constant atmosphere and to do the required prep work to guarantee that the entire piece dries at the same rate.
The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it's made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile.
Porcelain is extremely durable. There are many porcelain sinks still in use that are 50 to 100 years old. The porcelain material used to make sinks has glass and metal mixed in with the clay to give it extra strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, porcelain sinks can chip and are susceptible to stains.
So, stainless steel kitchen sinks are likely to remain a top consumer choice for years to come. While some designers agree that drop-in stainless steel sinks lack refinement and elegance, an undermount stainless steel sink is a timeless choice. Stainless steel sinks look best in modern or classic kitchen settings.
If you prioritize style, sound absorption, and a luxurious look, a quartz sink might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you value durability, versatility, and a more affordable price point, a stainless steel sink could be the way to go.